OBJECTIVES: To describe the complications, short and long-term outcome and owner satisfaction of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated with a recently described new osteotomy for the ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVES: To describe the complications, short and long-term outcome and owner satisfaction of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated with a recently described new osteotomy for the modified Maquet technique (N-MMT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of 82 dogs (84 stifles) were reviewed. Details regarding short-term outcome and complications were recorded from the medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview. Historical data and complications were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in 34/84 stifles. Intra-operative complications occurred in 26/84 stifles, all of which were fissures or fractures of the cortical hinge. Twenty-one of these fractures or fissures were repaired with a figure-of-eight wire. The second most common major complication was late meniscal tears in 3/84 stifles. One dog sustained a complete tibial fracture. Non-displaced fracture of the cortical hinge was the most common postoperative minor complication, which occurred in 5/84 stifles. The median preoperative lameness score was 3 out of 6. Final in-hospital re-evaluation of limb function was available in 58 dogs. The median lameness score at that time was 0 out of 6. Development of osteotomy related complications was not associated with a significant change in the postoperative lameness score. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Subjectively assessed clinical outcome with the N-MMT was good to excellent in this cohort of dogs. However, a high rate of intra- and postoperative complications of the N-MMT procedure was also present in these dogs. [less ▲]

PERSISTENT RIGHT AORTIC ARCH ASSOCIATED WITH AN ABERRANT LEFT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY ARISING FROM A PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN A PUPPY Rizza M.*, Claeys S.**, Billen F.***, Mc Entee K. ***, Bolen G.* *Diagnostic Imaging Section, **Small Animal Surgery Section, ***Small Animal Internal Medicine Section, Department of Clinical Sciences (Companion Animal and Equides), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium. Introduction Vascular anomalies develop during foetal development and single or multiple aberrant vessels can be present. Persistent right aorta arch (PRAA) represents over 90% of described vascular ring anomalies and can be accompanied by a left ligamentum arteriosum or a patent left ductus arteriosus (approximately 10% of patients) that causes oesophageal entrapment and secondary sub-obstruction. Radiography is an effective means of detecting vascular ring anomalies when oesophageal dilation and left-sided tracheal displacement are visible. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is necessary to confirm the nature and the patency of the vascular anomalies present and to identify which of the identified anomalies is causing the clinical signs. Materials and methods A 3.5-month-old, male French Bulldog was presented for regurgitation and vomiting since weaning. Besides a low body score, physical exam was unremarkable. Hypoglycemia was observed on routine blood analysis. Thoracic radiographs and CTA of the thorax were performed. Results The radiographs revealed severe oesophageal dilation cranial to the base of the heart and a ventral and left-sided tracheal displacement. A congenital oesophageal diverticulum secondary to a vascular anomaly was suspected. CTA showed multiple vascular anomalies. A PRAA was observed. An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) was identified originating from the PRAA next to the brachiocephalic trunk. A patent left-to-right patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was detected between the aorta and the pulmonary trunk and an aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) originated from the PDA. The oesophagus was compressed between the PDA and the trachea and was dilated cranially to this narrowing. Endoscopy revealed severely esophageal distension cranially to an extraluminal stenosis. Surgery was performed to ligate and cut the PDA. Discussion Seven types of vascular ring anomaly are described: types I - III have a PRAA, type IV has a double aortic arch, and types V -VII have a left aortic arch with combinations of persistent right ligamentum arteriosum and right subclavian arteries. In the patient described here, the vascular ring anomalies are a novel variant of the defined types. To the authors’ knowledge, an ALSA originating from a PDA has not been described previously. The severe compression of the oesophagus with severe dilation cranial to the heart was caused by the PDA and was resolved by surgical intervention. In conclusion, CTA is necessary to determine which vascular anomalies are present and to identify which of these anomalies is responsible for the clinical signs. This technique enables accurate pre-operative planning. Pownder S. Scrivani PV. Non-selective computed tomography angiography of a vascular ring anomaly in a dog. J Vet Cardiol. 2008 Dec;10(2):125-8 Henjes CR, Nolte I, Wefstaedt P. Multidetector-row computed tomography of thoracic aortic anomalies in dogs and cats: patent ductus arteriosus and vascular rings. BMC Vet Res. 2011 Sep 23;7:57 [less ▲]

Abstract The objective of this retrospective study was to report the efficacy of a single daily oral dose of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI ... [more ▼]

Abstract The objective of this retrospective study was to report the efficacy of a single daily oral dose of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) in bitches. Nine bitches diagnosed with USMI were treated with a single daily dose (1.5 mg/kg) of PPA for at least 1 month. Urethral pressure profiles (UPP) were performed in 7 dogs before treatment and repeated in 4 of them after treatment. Treatment with PPA resulted in long-term continence in 8/9 bitches. One dog did not respond to PPA and was treated surgically later. Recheck UPPs showed a significant increase in maximal urethral closure pressure in the 4 bitches after treatment with PPA compared to before treatment. In conclusion, long-term continence can be achieved in bitches affected with USMI after administration of a single daily dose of PPA (1.5 mg/kg). [less ▲]